NEWS 07
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023
Refreshed Cabinet to deliver for Queenslanders priority should be achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, amidst challenges like hospitals, ambulance ramping, and workforce shortages. “The gap isn’t closed,” he said. “Many measures have regressed.” He thanked the outgoing Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath for her support given to the sector. Minister Meaghan Scanlon has been promoted to take on responsibility for the new standalone priority portfolio of Housing. Minister Leeanne Enoch will have responsibility for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts. Minister Di Farmer will assume responsibility for Youth Justice. “Our government cares about
Work starts to consider a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns The Queensland Government will lead the development of a business case for a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns, in addition to an iconic First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane. A First Nations Cultural Centre for Far North Queensland based in Cairns acknowledges Cairns as an important gateway to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures of Far North Queensland, and will complement the development of a business case for the Brisbane based centre to be delivered as part of the SEQ City Deal. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the centre would provide a deeper view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the Far North. “Cairns is an ideal home for a new First Nations Cultural Centre – it is a gateway to the reef and the rainforest, both of which flourish under the custodianship of our First Nations people,” she said. “I’m proud our government can make this announcement, as we continue to walk the Path to Treaty hand in hand with First Nations Queenslanders.” The vision for these First Nations Cultural Centres was to showcase and celebrate the rich history, unique stories and truth telling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Dedicated First Nations Cultural Centres brought communities and cultures together and foster longterm social and economic benefits including creating jobs, training and employment opportunities for First Nations Peoples across the state. It was envisaged that the First Nations Cultural Centres in Cairns and Brisbane will act as hubs, connecting with First Nations communities across the state, including the network of Indigenous Art Centres and other significant sites and locations throughout Queensland.
Queenslanders and what they’re thinking - I have listened, and I have
acted,” the Premier said. “I’m going to use the experience I have as
Premier to have a critical focus on shaping a better and fairer Queensland, now and for the future. “I’m firmly focussed on the future. “And I’m firmly focussed on the key issues affecting Queenslanders – as my government is. “That’s why I have refreshed the government by refreshing the Cabinet and today marks a new beginning.”
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has unveiled a refreshed State Cabinet focussed on delivering for Queenslanders now and for the future, she says. The refreshed Cabinet will continue to drive Queensland’s substantial and modernising economic agenda for the future, while also tackling the issues affecting Queensland households today. In the new Palaszczuk Cabinet, Shannon Fentiman will take responsibility for Health and Ambulance Services, Mental Health and Women. The move was welcomed by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), who said they had enjoyed a “good relationship” with Minister Fentiman in her past portfolios. QAIHC Chair Matthew Cooke (pictured) was quick to point out Minister Fentiman’s top
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